Public Safety
is our first priority.
Cowpens Fire Department is a combination department staffed with career personnel and supplemented with volunteers. Twenty-five volunteer members comprise the core of the Department and are the most important resource the Cowpens Fire Department has. These members are held to the same training requirements as paid firefighters and initial training to the Firefighter I level consists of 187 hours of coursework. Together, we’re committed to serving Cowpens and below are a few of the ways we do it.
Fire Suppression
“It’s Worth The Risk” - Curt Isakson, Chief Escambia County
The Cowpens Fire Department values this mindset and will put the lives of the citizens we protect, first. With 13.7 Sq. Miles of first due response area and an additional 100 Square Miles of structure fire response which encompasses Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, Cowpens has a substantial fire response potential due to size. The Department operates (2) Two Class A Engine Companies and a Rescue Company for primary fire suppression activities.
Vehicle Accidents
Covering Interstate 85 and several substantial highways, the Cowpens Fire Department provides first aid care for patients involved in accidents usually as the first agency to reach the scene. We are also equipped and trained to extricate victims that are trapped in vehicles utilizing the Jaws of Life®. The Cowpens Fire Department operates a Rescue Company equipped with these tools as well as other rescue equipment to provide stabilization and lifting capabilities.
Rescue Operations
Technical Rescue goes beyond the basic responsibilities of a Fire Department. In addition to fire suppression the Cowpens Fire Department provides specialized rescue in several disciplines. Rescue 1 provides Confined Space and Rope Rescue capabilities. The department also operates a Trench/Structural Collapse Shoring Trailer and FEMA Type III Swiftwater Rescue Team. Multiple deployments throughout South Carolina highlight the Swiftwater Rescue Team’s reliability.
Fire Prevention
Essential in any fire department’s mission, Cowpens provides fire prevention through several avenues, including: (1) Code Enforcement and Building Inspections: Ensuing the safety of tenants and patrons in commercial properties. (2) Pre-fire Planning: Utilizing site visits for firefighters to familiarize themselves with the building and prepare in advance for potential incidents. (3) Community Smoke Detector sponsored by American Red Cross® A program provides smoke detectors to the fire department for installation in residential homes. For more information or to request a smoke detector installation please click here to contact us. (4) Firefighter Taught Public Education: We accomplish this through in school visits, community fire extinguisher training, and public presentations. School visits target elementary ages where they receive education on fire escape planning, fire safety, and more. Students also have the opportunity to tour fire apparatus and learn about our equipment.
Ready to
Join Our Team?
We are always looking for men and women that want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If you’ve read all of the things we do and you’re interested in joining our team, please take a few moments and complete the Interest Form on our Recruiting page.